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Ok, I feel like a freak posting this. Camden is 8 1/2 months old now. He eats solids, but still nurses numerous times throughout the day and night.
My right breast has always produced lots more milk, but now my left side is barely producing at all. When I try to pump, I get less than 1/4 oz. Camden is very frustrated and of course prefers the right side.
What should I do? Here's what I've already tried:
I always have him nurse first on that side, although he gets frustrated after a minute or two. When he's done on the other side, I put him back on there for as long as he'll tolerate.
I've tried pumping just that side.
I've tried increasing my liquid intake. I'm willing to try fenugreek, oatmeal, etc., but production on the right side is more than adequate.
Will I end up lopsided? Please tell me no. I'm not vain, but that would kind of bother me.
Any advice welcome, especially if you've BTDT, or have LLL background.
Thanks!
Hana
Hi Hana. I think your ideas are all great. I am thinking if I have any more to add but if one of my friends asked me the same question I think I would tell them your ideas, try offering the lower producing side first and possibly a little pumping on that side too. So I am not really sure. I am thinking about the lopsided issue that it will be more lopsided while you are nursing and then when your child is weaned their sizes will become more close in size, but I think in many women in this situation that would cause a little difference in size but then again most womens' breasts aren't equal anyway.
My breasts produced different amounts of milk, but not as extreme a difference as yours, they were more lopsided while breastfeeding but equaled out after weaning. But then I hacked them off anyway so my worry now is will I produce enough milk next time at all, whichever side or both.
Good luck, I'm sure someone will come along with some more ideas.
OK...I had to laugh...here's my advice from one freak to another...(I only produced after awhile on my right too)
All your ideas are great. But, you only have 1 kiddo, so 1 breast producing is all you need!!! I was sooo darn lopsided, and that's what bugged me the most. I would stuff my bra with a shoulder pad when I went out.
Your babe prefers one side, and over time, the milk supply decreased on the left. You can pump, but that's a ton of work and it didn't work super well for me.
Good news is, with my 2nd babe, I worked really hard at not having a favorite happen without me knowing and I did produce on both!!
Been there, and would be happy to answer any questions!!!
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Nanci
wife to Chris (10/90)
mama to Izzi (11/95)
and Griffin (12/98)
I can answer this one! When Gavin was about 8 months old he started refusing the nurse on my right side. He never was fond of the right side, I think it is shaped different. Anyway I spoke to his DR and was told their wasn't a problem nursing from one side. HE continued to nurse on the left side only until almost 5 years old.
Side note, Emilianne nurses just fine on the right side fine. I on the other hand have developed a preference. LOL
Second side note. After Emilianne was born Gavin got jealous when Emme would nurse on "his side"
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Mama to Trystan 8-16-90, Ty 5-12-93, Gracie 6-19-95, Gavin 1-22-99 and sweet Emilianne Elizabeth Rose 4-18-03
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